Hunter Chase Betting Service

Sat, Jun 5, 2010

Hexham – Saturday, June 5^th

BOW SCHOOL – Fancied to return to winning ways under favourable conditions just over a week ago at Wetherby and did so in determined fashion, running on gamely to defeat the useful Farmer Frank by a narrow margin. Clearly relishes this sort of trip on fast ground and although he faces no easy task against the likes of Take The Stand he is clearly at the top of his game and looks sure to go close.

TAKE THE STAND – Genuine and enthusiastic old-timer who retains plenty of ability despite advancing years and followed up tremendous efforts at Cheltenham and Aintree with a close third in the Horse & Hound Cup at Stratford last weekend (deteriorating ground would not have been in his favour). Won this race last year (not at his best) after finishing third at Stratford – this is a stronger race and the drop in trip is not in his favour, but he looks certain to give it his all and can’t be ignored.

ARDNACLANCY – Progressive novice Pointer last season but unable to cope with the rise to Hunter Chase class this season before being dropped to this sort of trip at Cartmel earlier in the week; connections seem to finally have found the key to him and although this is tougher he does come here on a high.

SCOTCH WARRIOR – Had only won a Maiden prior to causing a minor shock in a Perth Hunter Chase a short time ago, although his task was made a lot easier by the rider of the odds-on favourite falling off at an early stage of the race. Still open to improvement and conditions will suit but this is a lot tougher and the veteran owner/trainer may well again be putting up overweight.

THINK LUCKY – Inconsistent chaser whose sole win came on fast ground at Stratford last summer (2m6f, off 93) and looked in need of the race when finishing third on his debut in this sphere at Market Rasen a couple of weeks ago (behind Farmer Frank, therefore held by Bow School on that form); entitled to improve for the run and conditions will suit, so not without an each-way claim.

BENWELL – Soft ground Hunter Chase winner in 2008 but has shown virtually nothing since and his form this season has been dismal; easily opposable.

PEN GWEN – French Chase winner in 2007 but became very disappointing on this side of the Channel; much improved this term and after winning a Confined on his comeback has found only Robin de Sherwood and Eliza Doalott (twice) too good in Hunter Chases. Found things happening too quickly in a hurdle last time but should appreciate the return to this grade and has a solid chance.

PIRATE D’ESTRUVAL – Poor jumper who has yet to win a race and unlikely to do so under the present encumbrance; ignore.

RAKERIN LAD – Has taken his time to find his feet in British Points but plenty to like about the way he won a Club race in a decent time over the Point-to-Point course here last week; yet to jump a regulation fence but clearly on the upgrade and fast ground a plus.

SENDEED – Finally won a Restricted on firm at Mordon a couple of months ago but that was virtually a non-event; earlier form uninspiring and opposable on his first run over regulation fences.

VICTOR – Wide margin win here last week probably has more to do with the desperate standard of the opposition than his own performance; had looked thoroughly exposed prior to that and despite having conditions to suit is difficult to fancy in this much stronger contest.

HAPTHOR – Looked regressive over hurdles last season and looks thoroughly disinterested in racing nowadays; refused to race in her three runner Members last month.

Conclusion – The final Hunter Chase of the season. Take The Stand won this last year under similar conditions and there are no reasons to suggest that he is on the decline at the age of 14; this is a stronger race than last year though and there are a couple that may have a bit too much speed – Bow School and the revitalized Ardnaclancy are the obvious ones but there are several other potential improvers in what looks a typically trappy end of season event. Many thanks for subscribing this year and I hope you enjoy the summer.